Helping Young People Excel ELC (H.Y.P.E., ELC)
12 Mary Ella Dr, Wilmington, DE
Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
- licensed capacity
- 160
- open each week
- 5 days
- a week, county median
- $280
We are a directory, not the daycare. We cannot hold a spot, enroll a child or answer questions about care.
Own this daycare? Claim it
About
About Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run is a licensed child care center in Wilmington, Delaware. It is licensed by the state, for up to 160 children, serving infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
It is open Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It describes a Play-based approach.
Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing made 7 visits in the last 3 years and cited 25 rules across 5 of them. The visit list, in the state's words, is below.
InfantsAccepts child care subsidy
Ages served: infants, toddlers and preschoolers
6 wk
6 mo
1
2
3
4
5
6
8
10
12 yr
Ask when you call: rates, current openings and staff-to-child ratio.
- Type
- Child care center
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- Hours today
- Closed today
- Licensed capacity
- 160 children
Hours
Hours
| Monday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Thursday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Friday | 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Saturday | Not listed |
| SundayToday | Not listed |
Programs
Programs and care
| Ages | Infants, toddlers and preschoolersFrom the state license |
|---|---|
| Approach | Play-based |
| Curriculum | Here We Grow!™ |
| Enrichment | Yoga, soccer, dance, karate |
| Staff | Degreed teachers |
| Safety | Outdoor playground |
| Child care subsidy | Accepts state child care subsidiesFrom the state license |
| Parent updates | Parent app (several nationally recognized, web based programs for daily communication) |
| More | Founded 1994 (first Ducklings Early Learning Center) |
| Licensed capacity | 160 childrenFrom the state license |
Cost
Tuition and costs
Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run has not listed its tuition. For comparison, full-time infant care at a child care center in New Castle County has a median price of $280 a week (U.S. Department of Labor, 2022).
Ask the daycare for its ratesIt has not listed its tuition. The county medians below are a starting point.
Infant
Center$280
Home daycare$182
Toddler
Center$199
Home daycare$154
Preschool
Center$210
Home daycare$155
School age
Center$106
Home daycare$86
State record
Inspection reports for Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
License
- Status
- Licensed and operating
- License type
- Licensed Child Care Center
- Capacity
- 160 children
- Ages
- Infants, toddlers and preschoolers
- License number
- #1627178
Summary
7 visits with a cited rule in the last 3 years · Most recent Mar 24, 2026
25 rules cited in those visits. Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing publishes only visits where a rule was cited, so this record cannot show how often it was inspected.
- Records and paperwork 6
- Safety and hazards 3
- Health, medication and illness 3
- Safe sleep 3
- Building, equipment and play areas 3
- Food and nutrition 2
- Discipline and child guidance 2
- Supervision and ratios 1
- Other rules 2
A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
Own this daycare? Add your response to the state record
See all 7 visits
- Mar 24, 2026VisitNo rules cited
Dec 9, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
66U Emergency Planning
“Ensure shelter-in-place supplies. Water and food supply.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 8, 2026
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are complete.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 9, 2026
56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Rest equipment needs to be labeled in Doodlebugs. Ensure safe sleep practice is followed - Infant rooms have loose sheets.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 9, 2026
51U Toilet Facilities
“Ensure classrooms are supplied with toilet paper/paper towels.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 9, 2026
49U Indoor Space
“Ensure indoor space is safe. Front door is not closing properly. No security upon LS entering. -Toilet in Doodlebugs is inoperable. - Counters and fridges need clean in Crickets, Caterpillars and infant rooms.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 9, 2026
40U Child Files
“Ensure children's files are complete. Child #2, #3, #4, #9, #15 needs blood lead screening. Child #10, #5 need developmental plan.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 9, 2026
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs updated med cert, PD plan. Staff #2 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #3 needs CPR/FA. Staff #4 needs safe sleep review. Staff #5 needs safe sleep review, OCCL 7 hour training, references, health appraisal/TB, service letter. Staff #6 needs health appraisal/TB. Staff #7 needs references, service letter. Staff #8 needs references, health appraisal/TB, Staff #9 needs 2 references or service letter. Staff #10 needs OCCL 7 hour training. Staff #11 needs CPR/FA (skills), orientation. Staff #12 needs CPR/FA, 1 reference. Staff #13 needs PD plan, 2 references or service letter. Staff #14 needs PD plan.”
Correction date in the state record: Jan 20, 2026
- Sep 10, 2025VisitNo rules cited
Jul 8, 2025Complaint investigation1 rule cited
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On June 6, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations including not providing truthful information to parents, not following food policy, failing to provide injury report and first aid, not meeting the needs of a child, not following policy for parent access, failing to follow expulsion policy, failing to handle parent concerns and complaints, lack of supervision, failing to sanitize bottles, and lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. An investigation was conducted on June 12, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed this complaint is substantiated for not providing truthful information to parents. LS #1 reviewed two written incident reports and viewed video footage from May 14, 2025, which all showed different explanations of what happened to Child #1 on May 14, 2025. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow their policy regarding parents or guardian s visits and monitoring of the program. Staff #3 stated Administrator #1 directed Parent #1 and Parent #2 to stop visiting. Owner #1 stated there was an open-door policy for both parents, but then asked if they could send a message before coming in so they could coordinate a time to come in. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, this complaint is substantiated for failing to follow expulsion policy. LS #1 reviewed documentation from one meeting held on June 4, 2025, with both parents. The handbook states, child care will be terminated if you or your family becomes a safety threat by becoming hostile and we cannot resolve the situation. Based on information provided through interviews it does not appear the family was a safety threat or hostile. Based on staff interviews and video footage reviewed from May 14, 2025, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of supervision. Adequate staff were present in the classroom, which was in correct staff-to-child ratio. Staff st ated they sit with children at mealtimes to supervise them and encourage them to eat. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not following food policy. Parents provide food and the schedule posted follows the classroom practices. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to provide an injury report and first aid. The incident report dated May 14, 2025, was signed and dated by the parent or guardian. The incident report also states there was no visible injury. The incident reported dated May 15, 2025, stated parent or guardian refused to sign. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for not meeting the needs of a child. Staff #1 and Staff #3 both stated they sit with the children, give hugs, and pick them up when in distress. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to handle parental concerns and complaints. Owner #1 stated there is an administrator only application on Brightwheel, which allows private communication and appointment scheduling with administrators. The administrator held a meeting with both parents to discuss their concerns. Based on interviews and documentation reviewed, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for failing to sanitize bottles. The facility does not provide food or milk. Staff #1 and Owner #1 stated milk bottles sent from home are rinsed and sent home daily. Based on interviews and observations at the visit, there is no evidence to substantiate this complaint for lack of sanitation in the refrigerator. The refrigerator is cleaned every Friday, unless needed beforehand. The refrigerator appeared clean upon inspection by LS #1 and LS #2. An additional concern noted was a review of video footage showed two staff members using cell phones while caring for children.”
Jun 11, 2025Inspection7 rules cited
77U Infant and Toddler Care
“Ensure infant daily logs include 30-minute sleep checks.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2025
72U Feeding of Infants
“Ensure infant feeding statements are updated & classroom teachers have access. Ensure bottles are labeled.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2025
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are complete for all medications, including OTC meds. _ Access to box.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2025
56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure rest equipment is labeled. Butterflies needs chart completed.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2025
40U Child Files
“Ensure children's files are complete. Child #3, 5, 8 need developmental plans upon 45 days of enrollment. Child #8, 9 need blood lead screening. Child #9, 10 need parents right to know signed.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 10, 2025
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training, safe sleep signed. Staff #2 needs 9 training hours. Staff #3 needs OCCL training, 2 references. Staff #4 needs CPR/FA, PD plan. Staff #5 needs PD plan. Staff #6 needs OCCL training, job description, 2 references, declaration/drug statements signed, and adult abuse check.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2025
26U Staffing
“Ensure at least an ECT is trained in day-to-day operations.”
Correction date in the state record: Jul 8, 2025
May 6, 2025Complaint investigation1 rule cited
OCCL Standards Complaint (Substantiated)
“On April 22, 2025, the Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL) received a complaint regarding allegations of failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. An investigation was conducted on April 23, 2025. Based on interviews with staff and reporting parties, this complaint is substantiated for failing to allow services for a child with disabilities. Interviews with staff and reporting parties indicate the administrator stated on April 18, 2025, Therapist #1 would need a criminal background check for the center prior to providing services for Child #1 s Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Administrator #1 had called Licensing Specialist (LS) #1 on April 23, 2025, to ask if Therapist #1 needed fingerprinting completed for the center and was told this was not required. As of this writing, the administration had not responded to Therapist #1 s April 22, 2025, call to confirm if fingerprinting for the center was required so services had not begun. Child #1 started attending the center on April 22, 2025, and services were to have begun that day. An additional concern noted was Child #1 s file did not contain IFSP documentation as required.”
Apr 15, 2025Inspection9 rules cited
74U Lesson Plans
“Ensure current lesson plans are posted; Crickets.”
Correction date in the state record: May 5, 2025
66U Emergency Planning
“Ensure evacuation drill/log and inspection monthly.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 25, 2025
63U Administration of Medication
“Ensure MAR forms are completed w/specific medication.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 25, 2025
56U Sleeping Accommodations and Safe Sleep Environments
“Ensure infant cribs are free of blankets. Ensure crib sheets are tight-fitting.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025
50U Kitchen and Food Preparation
“Ensure refrigerator is 41' or cooler; Waddlers @50'.”
Correction date in the state record: May 5, 2025
49U Indoor Space
“Ensure classroom/building is free of insect infestation. Ants in infant room.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025
42U Documenting Children's Progress
“Ensure developmental plans are completed within 45 days of enrollment.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 25, 2025
40U Child Files
“Ensure children's files are complete. Child #1, #6, #9 need monthly infant feeding schedules.”
Correction date in the state record: Apr 24, 2025
30U Personnel Files
“Ensure staff files are complete. Staff #1 needs OCCL training. Staff #2 needs orientation, DEEDS certificate. Staff #3 needs orientation.”
Correction date in the state record: May 13, 2025
Reviews
Parent reviews
No parent reviews yet
If your child goes or went here, your review helps other parents. We check every review against our review guidelines.
Daycares near Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
Jamise Bailey
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
4.6· 9 reviews
Ducklings ELC/Crisp
230 Innovation Blvd, Wilmington, DE
Marvis Maxine Williams
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Sheila's Dreams Child Care
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Creative Minds Academy
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Heather Wiktorowicz
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Audriene Jenkins
Wilmington, DE 19805 · toddlers to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
Sherry Williams
Wilmington, DE 19805 · infants to school-age · Home daycare: the provider shares the address with families
FAQ
Questions about Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run
Is Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run licensed?
Yes. Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing lists it as licensed and operating.
When was Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run last inspected?
Delaware Department of Education, Office of Child Care Licensing lists the most recent visit on March 24, 2026. It lists 7 visits in the last 3 years.
Has Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run had rules cited by the state?
Yes. Inspectors cited 25 rules across 5 of 7 visits in the last 3 years; 23 show a correction in the state record. A cited rule is what an inspector found on the day of a visit. It is not a rating of the daycare today.
How many children can Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run care for?
160, the licensed capacity on the state record. It is licensed to serve infants, toddlers and preschoolers.
Does Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run accept child care subsidies?
Yes. The state record says it accepts child care subsidies.
What are Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run's hours?
Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Holiday hours can differ.
How much does Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run cost?
It has not listed its tuition. Call (302) 443-0123 to ask.
What is Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run's phone number?
(302) 443-0123.
Where is Ducklings Early Learning Center - Chestnut Run?
230 Innovation Blvd, Wilmington, DE 19805. The nearest other daycare we list is Ducklings ELC/Crisp, under 0.1 miles away.